River Lakes boys lose high scoring hockey game

This article submitted by Kurt Habben on 12/15/98.
The River Lakes Stars lost a close game Saturday night, Dec. 12, in Richmond to Morris 7-6.

Adam Hartfiel, a ninth grader from Paynesville, started the game in goal in place of John Manthei, who was out with pneumonia. Hartfiel played a great game, making 27 saves. Most of the goals scored against him occurred off deflections or screens.

Hoping to end their two-game losing streak, the Stars started the game off very well. Ryan Mackedanz scored on his first shot with assists going to Brett Theisen and Eric Habben. The Stars added to their early lead a few minutes later when Brad Koltes took a pass from Jeremy Curran and found an open spot on the far side of the goal.

Morris quickly struck back. Three goals were scored against the Stars within a five-minute stretch. Morris led 3-2 at the end of the first period.

The Stars took advantage of an early power play in the second period. Theisen scored with a pass from Mackedanz. The Stars then let down 30 seconds later with Morris taking back the lead.

Mike Losinski tied the game once again with a knuckle puck shot from the point. After Morris regained the lead, Habben tied the game with a shot between the legs of the Morris goalie.

The third period was very disappointing for the Stars. Penalties dampened the Starsí chances of winning the game by opening the door for Morris to score two power play goals.

With under a minute to play and the Stars down by two, Hartfiel was pulled from the net in order to have a man advantage. Confusion deep in the Morris end followed, resulting in a Morris player purposely knocking over the net to get a whistle.

The officials ruled for a penalty shot. Mackedanz scored with a great move which confused the Morris goalie.

With 10 seconds left in the game, the Stars hoped to win the draw and score a quick goal to tie the game, but the puck never managed to leave mid-ice.

Coach Mooney complimented the team on a very well played game, but that in order to win, less penalties must be committed.